The town of Marion was named after General Marion, who was nicknamed the "Swamp Fox" after he evaded several capture attempts.

Situated just a few miles northeast of Cedar Rapids, Marion is a quiet, charming town filled with educated family folks who really know how to throw a festival. They also seem to really love 5k races, as nearly every festival features one. They also love farmers markets, golf courses and short commutes, and, really, who doesn’t love that stuff?

Lifestyles of the Upper Middle

Marion residents love the outdoors, which comes as no surprise. This picturesque city has four full seasons and the winters are as fun as the summers. Snowball fights, ski trips and ice-skating keep the cold weather blues away, while hiking, camping and shopping are regular pastimes nearly year round. And yes, shopping is a sport. There are issues with humidity here, but besides that, oh, and the proliferation of intensely destructive tornadoes, there really isn’t anything bad about the weather at all.

Making the Move

There are a few things any future Marion resident should know before packing a carry-on and heading to the great Midwest: the vacancy rates here are low, low, low. People like living here, and once they get in and settle, they tend not to go anywhere. That’s fantastic news for house appreciation and a stable market, but it’s not so great for renters and newbies trying to make their way in. New buildings are slow to begin, so best start searching now, like immediately, like yesterday, if you want to find a spot. Give it a month and you can find something nice. Youll also need a car, winter clothes and bug repellant. Public transportation is very limited. One final thought, people here are well educated and they lead dignified professional lives. If you’re an executive type, or professional of some sort (no, not that kind of professional) then you’ll fit in just fine. If youre not, well, maybe if you hang around long enough you’ll become one. That’s how it works in America, right? Something about bootstraps?

Neighborhoods

Youre in for a treat here; the homes are beautiful and come in many shapes, sizes and iterations. That means single family homes, high rise apartment buildings, townhouses and the whole bunch are present and accounted for. If youre looking for something particular, like oh, say a studio apartment, scan the districts below, otherwise, just head to the area with the greatest vacancy for a quick transition.

Vernon View: This is a massive section of Marion, taking up the whole west half, but it only has about 3.5 percent vacancy. It’s mostly owners, but there are some rental properties if you hunt. Executives and professionals, apply here.

North Marion: Even lower vacancy here, so buckle up and get ready to haggle. There are apartment buildings boasting studios, one bedroom and two bedroom pads, as well as homes, mostly a bit older.

South Marion: Come here renters! Higher vacancy rates (closing in on average, even), small apartment units, big buildings, what have you; its all here. Plus, there are many students and its pretty walkable.

East Marion: Well, its pricey, sure, but you can find something without offering your first-born or your second. It’s got a good mix of owners and renters too, and it’s nice and quiet. Helicopter moms and retirees, rejoice.

City Center: Like a more urban environment? Park your tush here, if you can. With a 1.5 percent vacancy rate that’s easier said than done. But the area is walkable, young and has a good mix of owners and renters, while being super low cost. Use the force, Luke -- the dark side if you have to.

Marion is one of those endearing cities where the parents kiss each other goodbye before a short, side-street drive to work, kids play soccer in the roads and everyone goes to community events like the Swamp Fox Festival and the Uptown Marion Market. And if the small-ish town life is sometimes grating, Cedar Rapids is fifteen minutes away, or just head to the western border and check out the local brewery. You can’t lose here.

Apartments for Rent in Marion, IA

Top cities

Apartments for Rent in Marion, IA

Listings

540 8th Avenue (opens in new tab)

Find more rentals by

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is rent in Marion, IA?

How much is rent in Marion, IA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Marion, IA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Marion, IA?

How much should I pay for rent in Marion, IA?

How much should I pay for rent in Marion, IA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Marion, IA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Marion, IA?

Average rent in Marion, Iowa

Find more rentals by

Listings

540 8th Avenue (opens in new tab)

Average rent in Marion, Iowa

$1,200 | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | Slab | W&D |Central A/C| Back deck| Large yard (opens in new tab)

1055 4th Avenue (opens in new tab)

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Home - Available February 2nd 2026 (opens in new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is rent in Marion, IA?

How much is rent in Marion, IA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Marion, IA?

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in Marion, IA?

How much should I pay for rent in Marion, IA?

How much should I pay for rent in Marion, IA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Marion, IA?

How can I find off-campus housing in Marion, IA?